Adult disposable plastic bib with a 4&#34; self-opening pocket

ABSTRACT

The present invention is related to disposable bibs, and more particularly, to a inexpensive bib having a unique, always open, strong pocket design, including; an insert that is folded in half, inserted in the pocket and permanently heat-sealed, creating a reliable memory spring open tensile, which keeps the pocket open to catch, store, and support all food &amp; fluids that would otherwise soil the wearers clothing or their surrounding environment; A simple adjustable neck strap permanently heat-sealed on one end and secured with double-sided tape with a breakaway perforation for safety and easy removal; And a tab attached to the bottom of the bib pocket, designed for the purpose of dispensing from a nested storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Disposable bibsare well known in the art. Such bibs may beprovided for use on babies during feeding, often for adults in thehealth care industry, for restaurants to keep customers clothes frombecoming soiled among many other applications.

[0002] The present invention is related to disposable bibs, and moreparticularly, to a inexpensive bib having a unique, strong, always openpocket structure for receiving and supporting liquid and solidmaterials, in addition to quick and safe removal. The present inventionprovides for adult applications only.

[0003] The prior art also discloses bibs having a pocket structure forreceiving solids or liquids that would otherwise dirty the wearer'sclothing. One main problem with known bibs is that pocket structures maybe ineffective in capturing, supporting, nor maintaining an openconfiguration of spilled food, liquid or other materials, particularlyif crushed during storage, shipment or accidentally crushed by the user.Other major concerns include; The high cost to manufacture, thesubsequent cost to the user, and a provision for quick, simple and saferemoval of the bib for safety purposes; *No known examples provide forlow cost nor quick and safe removal.

[0004] An example of a disposable bib having a pocket structure forreceiving solids or liquids is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,751issued May 7, 2002 to Benjamin, et al. Benjamin, et al states; The bibbody comprises a first body panel, a second pocket panel, and a thirdpanel. In order to provide a sustained pocket space, a flexible memberis joined to the third panel proximate the second end and extendslaterally between the longitudinally extending side edges of the thirdpanel. The third panel and the flexible member are constructed andarranged such that, as the third panel is folded or defected into thepocket space from a first position, having an inside surface facing anouter surface of the body panel to a second position, having the insidesurface of the third panel facing an inside surface of the pocket panel,the third panel provides an opening of the pocket space along thelongitudinal centerline of the bib. The flexible member is more rigidthan the third panel and provides a durable pocket opening that ismaintained during use. However, the flexible member that is presumed tobe maintained during use, does not account for potential duringshipment, nor states to any certainty that it would regain its shape ifcrushed closed against something by a wearer crushing during use, makingthe pocket no longer effective for it's intended use.

[0005] Another example of a disposable bib having a pocket structure forreceiving solids or liquids is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,780issued Oct. 10, 2000 to Reinhart, et al. Reinhart et al. provides a bibhaving a bib body comprising a first, second, and a third panel.Disposition of the third panel between the pocket panel and the bodypanel serves to space at least a portion of the pocket panel from anunderlying portion of the body panel to provide opening of the pocketspace along the longitudinal centerline of the bib. However, the openingof the pocket will be crushed closed against something by a wearercrushing during use, again, making the pocket no longer open, oreffective during use.

[0006] Another example of a potentially open pocket is U.S. Pat. No.4,445,231 issued May 1, 1984 to Noel. Noel discloses a bib having agravitationally open able pocket. Although the premise is sound, theresult of the actual use depends upon the users awareness, and actualposition, making the pocket potentially ineffective during use.

[0007] Other prominent references disclosing bibs with variousstructures for catching articles include U.S. Pat. No. 497,340 issuedMay 1893 to Pollitt; U.S. Pat. No. 615,293 issued December 1898 toMaier; U.S. Pat. No. 2,164,369 issued July 1939 to Woolever; U.S. Pat.No. 2,651,039 issued September 1953 to Tonkens et al.; U.S. Pat. No.4,445,231 issued May, 1984 to Noel; U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,065 issued July1986 to Sigl et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,698 issued November, 1986 toHeyman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,572 issued March, 1987 to Roessler;U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,523 issued October 1987 to Schrader et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 3,010,111 to Ralph; U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,048 to Shearer; U.S.Pat. No. 4,261,057 to Andersson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,941 issued April1996 to Sell; U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,572 issued March, 1997 to Roessler;U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,303 to VanGompel; U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,490 issuedMarch 1999 to Woodard et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,311 issued July, 1999to Lampson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,530 B1 issued April, 2002 toLampson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,048 issued March 2003 to Frye;

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides an inexpensive bib compromised offive distinct parts; A body panel folded and heat-sealed at one end tocreate a slightly tapered pocket, and at the opposite end, a taperedupper portion; An insert that is folded in half, inserted in the pocket,permanently heat-sealed, creating a unique, always open, strong pocketwith reliable memory spring open tensile, strong enough to support andcontain virtually all spilled food and/or fluids; A simple adjustableneck strap with a breakaway perforation for safety and easy removal,permanently heat-sealed on one end of the upper tapered body panel whilethe other end of the strap is secured with; A double-sided reusable tapeto the other end of the tapered body panel; In addition a tab which ispermanently attached by heat sealing to the outside bottom of the bibpocket designed for the purpose of dispensing.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a disposablebib with a unique pocket structure which always springs open because ofthe fold of said insert which creates consistent tensile opening memorythat it is reliable, even if crushed during storage, shipment orinadvertently crushed by the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide adisposable bib having a strong pocket structure for receiving andsupporting all spilled food and liquid material, with sufficientstrength.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple,strong adjustable neck strap with a breakaway perforation for safe useand easy removal.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tabattached to the outside bottom of the bib pocket, designed for thepurpose of dispensing.

[0013] Particularly, there is a need for a disposable bib that isinexpensive, simple to apply, use and remove for safety reasons,including a reliable strong pocket that is always maintained in an openconfiguration for receiving, containing and supporting virtually allspilled solid and liquid food materials, even if crushed during storage,shipment or accidentally crushed by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective overview of the bib in its entirety.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a detailed front view of the bib consisting of 5 pieces.The neck strap, the main body of the bib with a folded 4-inch pocket,the pocket insert, the two-sided adhesive, and the dispensing tab.

[0016] FIGS. 2-1 is the main body of the bib with a folded 4-inch pocket(polyethylene or like material) of the bib.

[0017] FIGS. 2-2 is the insert (polypropylene or like material) which isfolded in half and is inserted and permanently heat-sealed inside thebib pocket which creates a tensile opening spring back memory thatcreates the self-opening pocket to catch and/or store food & fluids.

[0018] FIGS. 2-3 is an neck strap (polyethylene or like material) whichis permanently heat-sealed (FIGS. 2-4) at one end to the bib.

[0019] FIGS. 2-5 is a breakaway perforation point for safety andremoval.

[0020] FIGS. 2-6 is a two-sided peel away adhesive located at the topright corner of the bib, that the neck strap will adhere to whenapplied, and is re-attachable.

[0021] FIGS. 2-7 is a tab (Polyethylene or like material), which ispermanently heat-sealed to the bottom of the bib designed fordispensing.

[0022] FIGS. 3 is a rearview of the bib.

[0023] FIGS. 3-1 is a breakaway perforation point for safety andremoval.

[0024] FIGS. 3-2 is the connection of the neck strap that is permanentlyheat-sealed at one end to the bib.

[0025] FIGS. 3-3 is a tab which is permanently heat-sealed to the bottomof the bib designed for the purpose of dispensing.

[0026]FIG. 4 is a integral close-up views of the neck strap and thedispensing tab.

[0027] FIGS. 4-1 is the close view of the breakaway perforation pointfor safety and removal.

[0028] FIGS. 4-2 is the connection of the permanently heat-sealed sideof the neck strap which is attached at the top left side to the bib.

[0029] FIGS. 4-3 is close-up view of the peel away cover of the adhesivelocated at the top right corner of the bib.

[0030] FIGS. 4-4 is a close-up view of permanently attached adhesivelocated at the top right corner of the bib, that the neck strap willadhere to when applied, and is re-attachable.

[0031] FIGS. 4-5 is a tab which is permanently heat-sealed to the bottomof the bib designed for the purpose of dispensing.

[0032]FIG. 5 is a front view of the bib, assembled and in its entirety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033]FIG. 1 is a perspective overview of the bib in its entirety.

[0034]FIG. 2 is a detailed front view of the bib consisting of 5 pieces.The neck strap, the main body of the bib with a folded 4-inch pocket,the pocket insert, the two-sided adhesive, and the dispensing tab. Thesingle plastic sheet body member composed of a substantially liquidimpermeable polyethylene or like material (25 microns), 17 inches inlength longitudinally, and 14-inches laterally including a single foldedend member longitudinally of 4-inches, which extends transversely thereacross and is heat-sealed along the outermost longitudinal edges tocreate a 4-inch deep pocket end bottom portion tapered longitudinally,along the 4-inch deep pocket end portion that holds a pocket insert thatis also tapered longitudinally along the top 5 inches extending sideedges to create free arm movement for the user.

[0035] FIGS. 2-1 is the main body of the bib with a folded 4-inch pocket(polyethylene or like material) of the bib. In its folded state, thepocket measures 14-inches across laterally at its top most point and12.5 inches across laterally at its top bottom most point.

[0036] FIGS. 2-2 is the insert (polypropylene or like material) shownpartially inserted into the main bib body pocket, and is folded in half,inserted and permanently heat-sealed inside creating a tensile openingspring back memory due to the specific tension of the fold in thepolypropylene material and its specific thickness of 250 microns. Thereaction of that fold creates the self-opening pocket along with theassistance of the insert being slightly 0.01 inches wider laterally,than the pocket to catch and/or store food & fluids. In its foldedstate, the pocket insert measures 14.1 inches across laterally at itstop most point, and 12.5 inches across laterally at its top bottom mostpoint.

[0037] FIGS. 2-3 is an neck strap (polyethylene or like material) whichis permanently heat-sealed (FIGS. 2-4) at one end to the bib andmeasures 22 inches longitudinally, 1 inch laterally and is 25 microns Inthickness.

[0038] FIGS. 2-5 is a breakaway perforation point for safety and removaland measures 1 inch longitudinally across the neck strap base and islocated 1.5 inches above the permanently attached side of the neckstrap. The actual perforation density is crucial to the balance ofstrength versus ability to separate, and is proprietary in nature.

[0039] FIGS. 2-6 is a two-sided peel away adhesive located at the topright corner of the bib, that the neck strap will adhere to whenapplied, and is re-attachable.

[0040] FIGS. 2-7 is a tab (Polyethylene or like material) that ispermanently heat-sealed to the bottom of the bib longitudinally andlaterally, designed for the purpose of dispensing.

[0041]FIG. 3 is a rearview of the bib in its entirety.

[0042] FIGS. 3-1 is the breakaway perforation point for safety andremoval seen from a rear view off the bib, and measures 1 inchlongitudinally across the neck strap base and is located 1.5 inchesabove the permanently attached side of the neck strap. The actualperforation density is crucial to the balance of strength versus abilityto separate, and is proprietary in nature.

[0043] FIGS. 3-2 is the connection of the permanently heat-sealed sideof the neck strap seen from a rear view off the bib, which is attachedat the top left side to the bib by heat sealing.

[0044] FIGS. 3-3 is a tab which is permanently heat-sealed to the bottomcenter of the bib, laterally, designed for the ability to pull from a ofdispenser.

[0045]FIG. 4 is a integral close-up views of the neck strap and thedispensing tab.

[0046] FIGS. 4-1 is the close view of the breakaway perforation pointfor safety and removal and measures 1 inch longitudinally across theneck strap base and is located 1.5 inches above the permanently attachedside of the neck strap. The actual perforation density is crucial to thebalance of strength versus ability to separate, and is proprietary innature.

[0047] FIGS. 4-2 is the connection of the permanently heat-sealed sideof the neck strap which is attached at the top left side to the bib byheat sealing.

[0048] FIGS. 4-3 is close-up view of the peel away cover of theadhesive, longitudinally located at the top right corner of the bib.

[0049] FIGS. 4-4 is a close-up view of permanently attached adhesive,longitudinally located at the top right corner of the bib, leaving oneside of the two-sided tape cover on until the user removes it to applythe neck strap, and is re-attachable for the purpose of readjusting thestrap to the users size.

[0050] FIGS. 4-5 is a tab which is permanently heat-sealed to the bottomcenter of the bib, laterally, designed for the ability to pull from adispenser.

What is claimed:
 1. Adult disposable plastic bib comprising; A singleplastic sheet body member composed of a substantially liquid impermeablepolyethylene or like material (25 microns), 17 inches in lengthlongitudinally, and 14-inches laterally, including a single folded endmember longitudinally of 4-inches, which extends transversely thereacross and is heat-sealed along the outermost longitudinal edges tocreate a 4-inch deep pocket end bottom portion, tapered longitudinallyalong the 4-inch deep pocket end portion that holds a pocket insert andis also tapered longitudinally along the top 5 inches extending sideedges to create free arm movement for the user.
 2. Adult disposableplastic bib of claim 1, wherein an insert made of polypropylene or likematerial which is slightly wider laterally than said 4-inch deep pocketwidth assists the tensile opening memory the crease creates afterfolding in half, creating a V-shape, which is inserted and heat-sealedinside of said 4-inch deep pocket fold having the side edges connectedto the lateral side edges of said base sheet member fold portion of saidbase sheet member, to provide an expandable, extending V-shape pocketsection therewith; Said pocket insert member is composed of apolypropylene or like material and is of sufficient thickness (10 mil.)to provide substantial strength, rigidity and tensile opening memory tocatch and support all liquid or solid material that may be spilled orplaced in said pocket; Said 4-inch deep pocket is permanentlyheat-sealed to prevent leaking or spillage of liquid or solid materials.3. Adult disposable plastic bib of claim 1 has an adjustable neck strapmade of polyethylene or like material permanently is heat-sealed at oneend to the top most corner of the bib longitudinally, and can beattached and re-attached to the opposite upper most corner of the bib bythe process of adhering to a peel away tape strip attached to theopposite upper corner of the plastic sheet body member; Said neck strapincorporates a perforation located 1.5 inches above the permanentlyattached side of the neck strap appropriately designed to withstandample weight strength for supporting caught or stored food and fluidswhile allowing the ability to be easily pulled to separate and removefor safety and convenience.
 4. Adult disposable plastic bib of claim 1wherein a tab made of polyethylene or like material is permanently[heat-sealed or attached] to the center bottom laterally of the pocketfor the purpose of providing the ability to be pulled or dispensed froman appropriate container in which the bibs are nested inside oneanother.